PBA board: A house divided?

The house could be divided when the PBA Board of Governors convenes tomorrow to discuss the search for a new commissioner to replace lawyer Chito Salud, who is stepping down at the end of the ongoing season.

While half of the board members feels that a marketing man should occupy the position, perhaps the other half would strongly push for a commissioner who has a complete mastery of the game of basketball.

This is what the Inquirer recently gathered from the governor of a pioneering team. The last two commissioners—Noli Eala and Chito Salud—were both lawyers.

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There are reports that Erick Arejola of Globalport will be the next PBA chair, succeeding incumbent chair Pato Gregorio.

Next in line was originally Robert Non of San Miguel Beer, incumbent vice chair who had to undergo an emergency quadruple bypass surgery recently.

From what I know, he is still recovering in hospital and has been advised by his doctors to take it easy while he is recuperating, specifically to avoid a stressful environment.

Which is why he is said to be giving way to Arejola, who is currently treasurer of the board.

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If there is one team in the Philippine Superliga (PSL) to watch out for this coming 2015 season, which opens March 21, it is Philips Gold.

Dead last in their maiden season, Philips Gold coach Francis Vicente and his Lady Slammers are determined to dish out a much better showing in their sophomore year and the first thing on the “must-do” list, Vicente said, is to strengthen their lineup.

“We’ve taken the first step,” he announced during an intimate get-together with the “new” team recently at Promenade in Greenhills. “We’ve taken in Michelle Gumabao, Melissa Gohing, both former standouts of La Salle and Lheuseth Dawis of UE.”

Gumabao and Gohing played for Generika, another PSL team, last season. The squad is not joining the league this year.

But the buildup didn’t end with the acquisition of the three marquee players, according to Vicente. There’s still the rookie draft to look forward to.

He plans to get four players from the draft. But until draft time comes around, he intends to keep the names he has in mind a secret.

“We intend to be very competitive. We’re looking to be in the final four this time,” coach Francis said.

Previously known as Mane ‘N Tail, Philips Gold is a semi-pro women’s volleyball team owned by the Tieng Brothers—William and Wilson—of Solar Entertainment.

In addition to the three new recruits, the other members of Philips Gold are Mae Denise Crisostomo, Maureen Loren, Rossan Fajardo, Hezzymie Ascuna, Maria Ara Mallare, Sarah Jane Espelita and Khristine Basco.

To assure a better performance this season, team manager Eric Anthony Ty, a lawyer, has come up with a very attractive performance incentive scheme which should motivate the Lady Slammers to play better.